“We are pleased to announce the signing of these three outstanding agencies to our Representative Network,” said Ellen Bettridge, vice president, American Express Travel, U.S. Representative Network. “Our goal for the Network is to attract the best travel agencies, and Fugazy International Travel, Hewins Travel and Passageways Travel are strong, established agencies known for providing superior customer service.”

As members of the American Express Travel U.S. Representative Network, each agency now has the ability to offer more benefits and services to their customers, including access to enhanced vacation services through preferred suppliers such as American Express Vacations. In addition, each agency will have the ability to leverage American Express' global relationships and access unique products and programs to enhance their leisure and corporate travel sales.

Fugazy International Travel
Fugazy International Travel, established in 1897, is one of the oldest travel agencies in the United States. Fugazy International Travel is a full service agency designed and staffed to handle the special requirements of the business, leisure and group traveler. There are a number of Fugazy Travel offices, independently owned and operated, located in cities across the country, including Boca Raton, Florida. Fugazy International Travel, which has enjoyed solid growth since its founding, is dedicated to sound management principles and offering the highest caliber of service to its customers by developing new tools for business travel management and offering services that provide all travelers savings both in time and cost.

"With over 40 years of hands on experience, I feel as if I have finally arrived being part of the world's largest travel company,” said Scott H. Grody, vice president and COO, Fugazy International Travel. “The quality of products, services and the worldwide network of travel agencies that come with being a representative of American Express Travel enables us to raise the level of service we offer to customers to a higher level. All of us at Fugazy International Travel are so proud to have the American Express brand added to our name."

Hewins Travel
Founded in 1982, Hewins Travel is recognized as the largest travel agency in Maine and has provided customers in Maine and New England with full service travel planning, from airline to car and hotel reservations. Headquartered in Portland Maine, Hewins Travel operates additional retail locations throughout Maine including, Bangor, Waterville, Ellsworth, Camden, Brunswick and Lewiston. Serving more than 100 companies and organizations, Hewins Travel's business mix is approximately 55 percent corporate travel and 45 percent leisure and group travel. In addition to its large business travel base, Hewins serves thousands of vacation travelers annually. The company employs 50 travel professionals with more than 750 years of experience in the travel industry.

“Aside from the quality of its programs, products, services and network of travel agencies, what has impressed me most about American Express is the power of the brand,” said Steve Hewins, president and CEO, Hewins Travel. “Having the American Express name standing behind Hewins Travel allows us to market ourselves more effectively, while at the same time increasing the value of our own brand.”

Passageways Travel
Based in Traverse City, Michigan, Passageways Travel is a full service travel agency that has provided exceptional service to its customers since 1980. Passageways Travel is staffed by more than 200 travel professionals with offices located throughout Michigan. In addition, the agency is supplemented by a large contingent of Passageways Partners, independent outside agents who book and ticket travel for customers via Passageways Travel. A diversified travel management company, Passageways Travel is evenly balanced between corporate and leisure business.

“We are so pleased to become an American Express Travel representative,” noted Thomas McIntyre, chairman, Passageways Travel. “American Express is simply the most recognized and respected name in travel worldwide and it offers travelers such a wide variety of products and services. It's the one name every American looks for overseas to feel ‘at home' and confident of assistance.”

About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today is one of the world's largest travel service networks. The company has more than 2,200 Travel and Foreign Exchange Services* locations worldwide in more than 140 countries.

American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

*not available in all locations.

Contacts:
Monica Beaupre
212.640.2653
Monica.Beaupre@aexp.com